This year, we have launched our Safer Towns Summer initiative, and in Erdington this includes efforts being stepped up to reduce violence and anti-social behaviour, tackle town centre crime, solve problems, and provide visible reassurance.
We know that you feel safest when you can see our officers out and about, and understand the work that is being done to protect the community.
The initiative is running until the end of September, and we’ll be keeping you updated as it progresses.
Safer Towns Summer isn’t about introducing something new; it’s about sharing more of an insight into the work that happens every day, in Erdington and across the West Midlands, to reassure that we’re listening to your concerns and acting on your behalf.
Sign at the entrance to Erdington Town Centre by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
With warm weather, longer days, and lighter nights, we know that issues around anti-social behaviour continues to cause concern for residents, and our patrols will take action against that, as well as drug-dealing, and street drinking.
We’re also working closely with local businesses, as we understand the impact that retail crime has on them. By working with them, we hope that we can tackle crime like shop theft and keep retail workers safe.
We’re also working closely with our partners to directly address some of the causes of this crime and build on the work of dedicated local neighbourhood officers.
We’ll keep you up to date on our social media channels and WMNow as we work to make our area the safest and best place it can be.
Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Ed King – Erdington Town Centre Manager
After taking over as Town Centre Manager in March 2025, I spent the first six months meeting with the local Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) and officers from Operation Fearless.
It was an exciting time, with high profile policing in Erdington Town Centre and extensive media coverage about the impact the near million-pound police initiative was making.
And it was working, too.
Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street during initial launch – Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
But as a rising balloon gets higher in the sky, the easier it can burst. And with a loud pop and dull thud, once the team left Erdington all the good work achieved by Operation Fearless came hurtling back to earth. £880,000 to disrupt the problem. Or move it from Iceland to Borsch Electrical.
So, excitement turned to frustration. Then anger, as I watched revolving door sergeants and inspectors leave no visible strategy, or police officers, on the ground. And for the next six months I had more meetings, and more frustration, mostly ending in the words: “…just do your job.”
Now I don’t know how to run a police force as much as I know how to fly a plane, which (you should know before taking your seat) I don’t. At all. We’d crash before take off.
(l-r) Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
But what I meant was the answer – to me, and to the entire retail, consumer, and residential community in Erdington Town Centre – was simple. Regular, physical, uniformed, and active police presence on Erdington High Street.
Building a network and building trust. Doing their job. Or rather, being left alone, and in place, to do their job continuously. Simple.
And whilst I don’t know how many annual salaries the cost of Operation Fearless could have paid for, I do know without an effective handover to the NPT it counted for nothing.
Sergeant Millard (far left) with members of Erdington BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
I also know, have met, and have seen doing their job, we have some excellent officers working the Erdington patch. The problem is they’re seldom left there for long, and after a list of false starts and promises from those above them you start to switch off.
Then, after the second sergeant in under a year had signed up and signed off, I got a call from Detective Chief Inspector Askew – a copper’s copper who led Operation Fearless, and one of the only boys in blue I still allowed myself to trust.
“There’s a new sergeant coming to Erdington… give her a chance, you’ll like her. She gets the job done.”
Sergeant Millard (third from left) standing outside St Barnabas Church with of the police and local community stakeholders / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com
Operation Fearless showed what high impact policing can do, after it launched in Erdington Town Centre in January 2025 and bit off a chunk of crime from the battle-weary High Street.
But since then, the remaining Neighbourhood Police Team has seen a revolving door of officers, sergeants, and inspectors come and go, leaving little but public mistrust and criminal hubris to fill in the void.
Enter Sergeant Claire Millard, who cut her teeth in the London Met and is now heading up Erdington’s local police force.
Erdington Local went for a coffee and a chat with Sgt Millard on Erdington High Street, to find out who she is, how she operates, and why things might once again be starting to change for the better.
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Profile picture of Sergeant Millard / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Shaun Hand
I meet Sergeant Millard at Oiko’s Café on Erdington High Street, her arrival heralded by high volume banter from two smokers outside The Swan pub across the concourse. Sgt Millard smiles and acknowledges the loud ladies in question, taking it all in her stride, and we sit down with a coffee. Over the background hum of Oiko’s lunchtime trade and the occasional crackly chatter from Sgt Millard’s radio, we start at the beginning.
“I’m from East London, Walthamstow,” she explains, her Estuary accent undented by five years in the Midlands. “And where I grew up, you had two choices: you either did the bad stuff, or you got out…
“I realised quite early on that it was all down to the choices that I made. It didn’t matter what type of environment you grew up in or what your background was, you had the ability to make those choices.”
“And if you saw it through,” she adds, “even in the hardest times, there was always something positive you could do.”
Having considered careers in policing and education, Millard initially pursued the latter, planning to become a secondary school teacher – “If you get people young, you can educate them [and] give them the right advice” – but by the time she went back to college, to re-sit the necessary exams and take an access course, she was a single mother in her late twenties, balancing parenthood and studies with 12 hour shifts as Deputy Manager in a local bookies.
Police from Operation Fearless questioning local man / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
It was a customer in the betting shop who told her about the Metropolitan Police’s then-latest recruitment drive, and despite having secured a university place to study in Canterbury, Claire Millard decided to apply for a place on the force. And she got in.
“I’ve found my hands are less tied [as a police officer] and I can be more honest,” she says of her deciding to channel her passion for helping young people through policing. “And they can relate to that. I can say to somebody, ‘If you want to end up in custody, carry on. But talk to me to like a human being, and we’re going to walk away from this and forget about it.’”
After seven-and-half years of working for the Met in Barking & Dagenham, as a schools officer and responding to 999 calls, Millard relocated to the West Midlands, working on complex investigations at West Bromwich before being promoted again to her current position as the Sergeant responsible for Erdington’s Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT), which she took up in January this year.
As well as getting up to speed on what her predecessors had put in place, or not, the now Sgt Millard said she also had to learn “how best to reach the local community. What to do and what not to do, which is key in a place like [Erdington].”
“Partnership work is key here, too,” tells Sgt Millard, who has already established more of a relationship with local stakeholders than both of her predecessors combined – according to those we speak to. “Most people want Erdington to be a nice place, a safe place. Somewhere you could not just come and grab something and run off again, but actually spend time here: sit outside, have a coffee, meet friends.”
Police car attending crime scene / Photograph by Ed King
An admirable approach to neighbourhood policing, and one that – on paper at least – would seem to work. But the tacit implication is that despite a well-publicised investment of £880,000 and double dose of Operation Fearless, alongside other promises that failed to materialise (the fabled ‘High Street Police Team’ being one) people in Erdington Town Centre still don’t feel able to do those things.
So, what does the area’s new police sergeant see as the reasons, and the answers?
“Unfortunately, the High Street has its…” She pauses.
While our conversation generally flows freely, a chat straying into everything from ‘90s reggae to the Irish spelling of names, Sergeant Millard becomes very considered when answering questions about her approach to policing in Erdington.
“I don’t like to say that it’s the homelessness or the street drinking, because those people are vulnerable within themselves. But sometimes… the loud music puts people off; [As well as] the kids, and adults, on bikes or e-scooters.”
And of what happened before Sgt Millard caame into post, she admits, “Operation Fearless leaving left a massive gap”, but also that, “Them coming back [in April 2026], and introducing the Neighbourhood Team the way I’ve done, has hopefully built more confidence back.
“But we need to hold that now. We need to show what we’re doing is going to work.”
(l-r_ Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The impression Sgt Millard gives, from her working-class background, her passion for education and helping young people, and her approach to local policing, is that she’s not a mandarin – full of well-meaning theory, but no real-world experience.
But nor is she a Clint Eastwood type, riding in to ruthlessly clean up the town on her own. She’s far more pragmatic and community minded.
“This High Street’s got to be about all of us,” she explains. “We (the police) can uphold the law and we can get involved, but we need to make this a better place for everybody, and it’s going to take all of us to do that.
“Teenagers are welcome to be here [as long as they’re] respectful about it. And that again comes down to education.”
Sergeant Millard is full of praise for local groups in the area too, particularly the Erdington Street Pastors, Erdington Litter Busters, and the Erdington Business Improvement District.
“There are so many people here that want to make a positive difference,” she adds, before coming back to how, under her watch, the police going to play their part.
“We want to create the Street Watch again,” continues Sgt Millard, “where we get some of the High Street owners involved. I think there was one, but it hasn’t [continued], and I don’t know if that’s through lack of trying or just lack of interaction.
“But we now have a Dedicated Neighbourhood Officer (DNO) just for the High Street who’s willing and able to do whatever he can to get things up and running.”
Erdington Police Station / Photograph by Ed King
And what about the old-fashioned ‘boots on the ground’ style of policing so many yearn for? “That’s on my wish list,” she responds firmly. “What I would really like is to have [at least] two officers visible on the High Street, Thursday through to Sunday, ten ‘til six. Just so there are two bobbies [always on patrol] at the busiest time.”
At the moment, however, Sergeant Millard believes her Neighbourhood Police Team are three officers short. “I’ve got vacancies I’m hoping to fill,” she explains, wanting to get officers on the High Street in time for the six-week school holidays.
And whilst funding is usually the biggest stumbling block in local police teams, and Sgt Millard accepts “the world’s a different place now”, there is still hope West Midlands Police higher ups will agree securing the legacy of Operation Fearless is worth the investment.
And some things do stay the same, Sgt Millard’s common-sense approach to community policing being one of them.
Police patroling Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
“It’s not rocket science,” she says. “It really isn’t. It’s about having bobbies on the street; somebody you can turn to. You know their name and if you have a problem, you can speak to them. You haven’t got to go through 111.
“Obviously, if it’s an emergency dial 999. But if you have a worry or a concern, you know that Andy (PC Boyle, one of Erdington’s DNOs) is going to be on your street or in the community hub, and you can pop your head in and say, ‘I’ve had this happen; it’s slightly worrying.’ And you can get advice on what to do next.’”
After an hour’s honest conversation, and continued radio chatter, Sgt Millard’s phone also pipes up. Her advice is needed on an ongoing case. “I’ve got a lot to do,” she admits of her new role. as she rings off and gets ready to head back to Erdington Police Station.
“But if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.”
Sergeant Millard (far left) standing outside Creative and Community Hub on Erdingotn High Street – with members of Erdingotn BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
PICTURE GALLERY: Policing in Erdington Town Centre – from the launch of Operation Fearless to present day / Photographs by Ed King, West Midlands Police, and supplied by various local stakeholders
West Midlands Police (WMP) are appealing for information from any witnesses, following a fatal crash between two cars by Chester Road train station on Bank Holiday Sunday (24 May).
In a statement issued by WMP, the force told: “It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz” on the Chester Road.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:20pm where officers confirmed the driver of the Kia Sportage had tragically lost his life in the collision, whilst the passenger in that vehicle was taken to hospital “as a precaution”.
A third man, the driver the Honda Jazz, was also taken to hospital with injuries that WMP stated “aren’t believed to be life threatening”.
Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)
Officers investigating the road traffic accident are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), and to check CCTV, Ring doorbells, or dash cam footage for anything that may help with their enquires.
An appeal issued by WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for witnesses and footage after a fatal collision in Erdington.
“We were called to Chester Road, near Chester Road Train Station, at around 9.20pm [on 24 May] to reports of a collision.
“It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz.
“The driver of the Kia, a man aged 33, was tragically confirmed dead at the scene.
“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”
Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)
They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage from around the area, and anyone who saw the crash should get in touch with us.
“You can call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website, or email SCIU directly at sciu@westmidlands.police.uk”
After the accident, reports on social media claim the Chester Road was closed from the interchange with Boldmere Road right up to the four way traffic lights by Sutton New Road – with the police, ambulance, and fire service all at the scene.
Messages of condolences flooded the internet for the young man who lost his life, with those who were at the “awful scene” expressing concern for anyone affected.
It is reported trains were blocked for stopping at the Chester Road station whilst initial investigations took place, but at the time of writing normal service has been resumed.
Officers from Operation Fearless, West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green talk to Erdington local residents, shoppers, and business on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by DCI Askew
“Operation Fearless has stepped up its activity in Erdington again – and it’s leading to positive results.
“Officers are continuing their work tackling the crimes we’re told matter most to locals, and have been building on a successful day working with partners and colleagues from across the force for Operation Advance on the High Street.
“It was great to be able to speak to so many of you during the day, and as ever our team are grateful for the feedback and information offered to us.
“We haven’t let up in Erdington, and have recently made arrests leading to charges for suspected drug dealing around the High Street.
“Our team also worked at pace to investigate a reported robbery on a bus, and the investigation again led to three people being charged and brought before the courts.
Operation Fearless, Erdington BID Street Wardens, and partner agencies at morning briefing with Detective Inspector Tom Lyons on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
“Separately, stop and searches near the High Street have led to two boys being arrested, and a quantity of drugs seized alongside a machete.
“We are very clear that we are here for you: tackling the type of crime that you tell us matters.
“We will continue to work closely with your team of dedicated local officers in Erdington – as well as partner agencies and Birmingham City Council – to do this.
“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us, and we look forward to chatting with you as our Erdington patrols continue.
“Thank you for your continued support.”
Detective Chief Inspector John Askew / Operation Fearless.
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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless and Operation Advance on Erdington High Street / Photographs by Ed King
Seargent Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Sergeant Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
Hi everyone.
I’m Claire Millard, your new Neighbourhood Sergeant for Erdington.
I’ve been in the seat for about a month now and while I know I have some big shoes to fill following Sgt John Reeves, I’m ready to hit the ground running.
I’ve spent twelve years in policing starting at the Met before transferring to WMP and moving into Public Protection, so I’ve seen a lot in my time. But my goal here is simple: I want you to feel safe in your own neighbourhood.
I know there have been concerns recently about anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, particularly around the High Street. We hear you and we are taking action.
Operation Fearless is back.
Local police and Operation Fearless officers patrolling Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
This month, you’ll notice a major boost in boots on the ground. We’re teaming up with both uniformed and plain-clothes officers from Operation Fearless for regular High Street patrols.
Whether you see us in high-vis or we’re working quietly in the background, we are out there disrupting the people making life difficult for the rest of us.
I don’t want us to be just a passing siren. I will make sure we’re making regular use of the community hub outside B&M.
Please stop by to chat to us, report any concerns, grab some crime prevention advice, or just say hello, we’re here for you.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all out on the beat.
Inspector Hayley Thompson / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
As 2026 gets underway, I wanted to share a few positive updates from your local policing team and let you know what we’ve been focusing on.
Firstly, Erdington has a new Sergeant. Claire Millard has recently joined the team and is keen to get out, meet residents, talk to businesses, and connect with local community groups. If you see her while you’re out and about, please do stop and say hello.
We’ve also been busy planning for the year ahead. Before Christmas, we met with many of our fantastic volunteers, including StreetWatch, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Street Pastors. These volunteers play a vital role as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping us spot issues early and keep neighbourhoods safe.
If you’re looking for something new this year, enjoy getting out for a walk and want to meet people locally, volunteering could be a great option. You’ll go out with our PCSOs, help report concerns and tackle anti‑social behaviour and we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers.
Police officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
January also marks one year since Operation Fearless launched in Erdington. Over the past year, officers have made more than 300 arrests and carried out over 500 stop and searches across Erdington and Southside areas of Birmingham.
Most importantly, this work has contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 60 per cent drop in serious youth violence locally.
There’s always more to do, but these results show what’s possible when police, partners, and the community work together.
If you have any concerns or want to speak to the team, please get in touch.
Police involved in Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team. As the darker nights draw in, burglary and car crime often see an increase, so our officers are stepping up patrols in key areas, acting on your information, and working closely with partners to prevent crime and protect people.
If you’re heading out, take a few simple steps to keep your home and vehicle secure. Lock windows, doors, and porches. Remove valuables from your car, lock it properly, and store your keys in a safe place.
Inside your home, keep laptops, phones, jewellery, wallets, and car keys out of sight from windows and doors.
Patrol car with Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local
We’re pleased to share that Operation Skybridge is returning to Erdington and Stockland Green areas this month. Expect to see more officers on the streets over the next few weeks, working hard to crack down on burglary, robbery, vehicle and drug crime.
Erdington has seen significant investment from West Midlands Police over the past year, with two major initiatives launched: Operation Skybridge in October 2024 and Operation Fearless in January 2025.
Both teams have made great progress in reducing crime and helping residents feel safer and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.
Inspector Hayley Thompson from the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Police Teams / Photograph supplied by WMP
We’ll also be hosting more police surgeries from our community engagement hub, located outside B&M. Pop down, meet the team, and share any concerns.
Dates for your diary: Saturday 22 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm), Thursday 27 November (11:00am – 12:00pm), Sunday 30 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm).
There will also be a Spring Lane Speed Watch/Parking meeting on Monday 8 December (7:00pm – 8:00pm) at Erdington RFC, Spring Lane Playing Fields, Kingsbury Rd, Erdington, Birmingham.
Inspector Hayley Thompson (photograph supplied by WMP)
Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team
(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)
It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team, as we wrapped up September with a successful All Out Day.
It was fantastic to be out on the High Street, meeting so many of you alongside my colleagues, and new Chief Inspector, Chanelle Whitney.
We spent time speaking with local residents and businesses, listening to concerns around issues like shop theft and drug use, both of which we’re actively working to address. Your feedback is invaluable and helps shape our priorities moving forward.
We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our partners, including Birmingham Community Safety Partnership, North LCSP, Erdington BID, and many others.
The presence of Fearless officers on the High Street has become a reassuring sight for many residents and businesses and their weekly patrols are making a real impact.
We’ve charged a man with a string of shop thefts on Erdington High Street, after he was arrested by Fearless officers on 1 October.
Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team and Birmingham City Council Safety Enforcement Offciers on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The 24-year-old was charged with seven theft offences from several different stores, including on the High Street.
Among those also arrested this week were individuals wanted for domestic harassment, drink driving, and failing to comply with a community order.
Looking ahead, we’ve got several community open events happening this month at our Engagement Hub, located outside B&M. These are a great opportunity to speak directly with officers, get crime prevention advice, and have a friendly chat.
Police cordon off area of Erdington High Street following reports of an assault / Photograph supplied by Erdington bid
West Midlands Police have confirmed they have arrested two men over an attack by the Village Green in Erdington Town Centre last week.
The force further confirmed the men are “in custody” and will be facing questions on “suspicion of wounding”, which can carry maximum jail terms of between five years to life imprisonment – depending on the severity and intent of the assault.
On Wednesday 2 July, emergency services responded to a call regarding a violent altercation between individuals on the pedestrian area near Oikos Café and The Swan Pub, with police cordoning of a large section of the High Street whilst investigating.
Broken pieces of Dragons Stout beer bottle found behind police tape at crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
Erdington Local was also at the scene and was by told by staff from local businesses in the area, who witnessed the incident, how one man took an empty bottle of Dragon Stout beer from a rubbish bin and used it to attack another man following a verbal altercation.
An Erdington Street Warden, who works with Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) to help support and secure the Town Centre, was also at the scene and administered first aid to one man – who was seen to have “a pool of blood” coming from his back.
Police tape off pedestrianised area around crime scene on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
After a week of investigating and enquiries, a spokesperson from West Midlands Police has now confirmed that arrests have been made and those responsible for any crime will be questioned and processed accordingly.
West Midlands Police told: “Operation Fearless officers have arrested two men after an assault on Erdington High Street, where a man was attacked with a glass bottle outside a pub on 2 July.
“He was taken to hospital with injuries that thankfully, were not life-changing.
“We’ve been carrying out a thorough investigation and this morning (9 July) officers from Operation Fearless arrested two men aged 35 and 58.
“They are both currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of wounding.”
Suspected blood and broken glass on the pedestrianised area inbetween Oikos Cafe and The Swan pub / Photograph supplied by Erdington BID
They added: “Operation Fearless, which recently expanded to the Southside area of Birmingham, continues to support colleagues in Erdington and together they are committed to making it the safest possible area for people to live and work.
“Fearless and our dedicated Erdington High Street team will be continuing patrols around the area as we support #SaferStreetsSummer.
“If you have information about crime in the area, call us on 101.”
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID, which is supported by local retailers and businesses, told: “There are legitimate concerns from local businesses that the space by the Village Green is in danger of becoming a hotspot for crime and anti-social behaviour.”
“Over recent weeks, there has been a rise of incidents and reports made over issues around the Village Green area, after Operation Fearless has driven certain activities and individuals out of the centre of the High Street.”
Area between The Swan pub and Borch Electrical store known to be used by street drinkers / Photograph suppliued by Erdington BID
They added: “Erdington BID is in constant talks with the local police teams and wider units, as well as the Operation Fearless team and other partners, to increase police presence and enforcement in the area.
“We welcome the extra efforts being made and the increasing partnership work between uniformed officers on patrol in the Town Centre and our own Steet Wardens – alongside our incredibly resilient retailers.
“There has been a very positive change made on Erdington High Street after Operation Fearless and everyone, including the police, are 100% committed to moving forward and not backwards.”
